Girl Bonding at Nail Files

It’s been a while since I had a foot spa and I can’t even remember the last time. Haha! For those who knows me well I’m not really the “kikay” type of nanay and for me going to nail spas takes so much of my time and I’d rather spend the money for Lucas’ vaccine, diaper, milk and etc. But today, after I had breakfast with my girlfriends, we decided to have a nail spa bonding. I told myself why not. It’s officially our summer vacation and I’m sure that it’ll take me months to do this again.

We checked out Nail Files Marikina Branch and we saw their Piso Promo for Mani-Pedi services valid on weekdays from 11am to 2pm. This promo is on top of their P300 indulgence foot spa service (I just can’t remember the exact name of the service). This service includes foot scrub and massage. We also get to choose the massage oil.

I was satisfied with their service. However, one of my friends waited for a very long time because they were only 4 and there were 5 of us. As for the place, it is nice, comfortable (they have a lot of throw pillows) with pup,e, pink and apple green color scheme. A free wi-fi is also a plus.

A Rustic Morning

Nothing beats a yummy breakfast in a very nice and cozy place accompanied by great friends plus bumping to other good friends. 😊

Rustic Mornings is located at Marikina City near the Our Lady of the Abandoned Church (OLA) and the Shoe Museum. It was my first time this morning but I’ve been hearing all about it from friends. I really did not eat breakfast for this “date” with my friends, so when I saw the menu I just wanted to order almost everything (except for the pork and beef variants). I wanted to eat a rice meal so I ordered Crispy Tawilis (i love the side ensalada) and a Cafe Mocha. My friends ordered the Boneless Bangus, Pork Tocino and Beef Tapa. We all wanted to try the Waffles with Buffalo Chicken and Salad (the dip for the chicken was really good) and the French Toast with Hashbrowns and Bacon.

For me, the prices are reasonable (Tawilis meal was i think P180). The service was also good and their staff are accommodating.

The meals are also well presented as they match the “shabby chic” ambiance of the place. Of course the most important thing is that I enjoyed what I ate. Everything for me was delicious 😉.

Other than the food, I enjoyed taking photos. We opted to stay in the airconditioned area because we’re starting to feel the heat of summer. But in all fairness, it wasn’t that hot in the garden area because of the plants.

Hatha Experience Part 2

It’s officially the start of my summer break! I told myself since my first Hatha experience that I’ll practice as often as I could this break, especially this month of April. Today, I practiced Hatha the second time around at Urban Ashram Manila Brixton. It was weird kind of weather, raining yet the sun is shining brightly. Therefore, it feels humid. (Just imagine how it feels like at 2pm with that kind of weather).

Our teacher today is Yanti. I like her too. She may not demonstrate all the poses but she explains every move. She is also very helpful and gives various options. I’ve attended several of her FNR classes but first time for Hatha. We started with Sukhasana (easy sitting pose) then with Chaturangas, plank poses, mountain pose, chair poses, etc..the ones I’ve done before. She kept on saying it’s always the effort that you put in a pose makes it effective. So far I’ve been trying to push myself everytime I practice until today. She taught us the foundations of doing inversions. Inversions?! Did I hear her right?! For the regulars, I’m sure it will be easy for them. But for me who’s been doing a lot of FNR’s and second time to Hatha is not yet ready for a head stand! Yanti asked us to move closer to the walls so we could try. I tried but didn’t work out. Haha! Yanti was really nice and told us that it is alright if we don’t do it yet. At least we try :). When she asked who among us tried it for the first time, oh yeah! Without hesitations I raised my hand :). She gave me a n encouraging smile (that’s what I love about the teachers at Urban Ashram Manila, they’ll challenge you but won’t force you).

After this I told myself that I’m going to challenge myself. I’ll practice more. I don’t know when but who knows, I might be doing head stands soon. Haha!

Last Time Out

It is really hard to say goodbye to the people who are really close to your heart and to the people you considered as your second family. Three “pillars” of ISYC left our growing family this year because of better opportunities and priorities. The ones left behind felt sad at the same time happy because their prayers have been answered.

I realized that change is really inevitable and the day will come that God will lead us to make choices. Often, these choices are not easy. But then again, He knows what’s best for us and leads us to the right one.

To my dear friends, Teachers Joan, Rhea and Yeng, I’d like to congratulate you for taking God’s new challenge for you :). You’ve been really great friends to me and my family and I’ll never forget our bonding moments :). Mwah!

I wasn’t able to take a picture of you Teacher Yeng. I’ll add once I visit you and the twins 🙂

Finding Joy in the Ordinary (The Day I Turned 30)

Yesterday, March 18 of 2013, marked my 30th year.  It was just like an ordinary Monday.  Early in the morning at around 5:30 am, I’m half awake as I feel my husband moving around the room preparing to go to his work, while I’m still in the middle of my slumber.  I felt his usual goodbye kiss to me (except this time he whispered “happy birthday” to me) and to Lucas who is sleeping beside me.  I tried waking up so I could hear mass, but Lord I’m so sorry, I didn’t. 😦  My alarm turned on, my usual setting at 6:05 am..pressed the snooze button.  I got up as soon as Lucas’ yaya entered our room.  My mom greeted me and my dad called me on my cellphone.  I quickly checked my Facebook account and browsed through the notifications that some of my friends posted a greeting on my timeline.  I prepared for work then left the house.  When I reached ISYC, I just placed my things in my classroom and went out again to buy breakfast for my colleagues.  My co-teacher who is also a very good friend of mine, went out with me to buy the pan de sals and palamans.  When we got back, I received warm greetings from my co-teachers.  Some wondered why I brought breakfast (which is totally okay 🙂 ), while some gave me a hug.  I realized that this people became a part of my life for 30 years.  It’s just overwhelming that even if they just saw the birthday notification in their Facebook account, they still spend a few seconds of their day to send me a greeting (it’s really the thought that counts).

My Kindergarten students came in at 1:00pm and it was even heart warming that some of them even brought gifts and card for me.  Their parents also sent me messages through text.  I’m so touched and happy.

After work, I went home and saw Lucas still having his siesta.  My dad came home early from work as well as my husband for my birthday dinner.  It was just a simple and intimate Mongolian buffet dinner with my parents, hubby, Lucas and the yaya at La Stanza.  As for my in laws who are in the San Juan house, I just ordered food for them online through 2121212 and had it delivered there.

When we got home, my husband and I played with Lucas and talked about how our day went.

Yes, it was just an ordinary day for me of course a little bit different because of the greetings, gifts and dinner.  I really didn’t plan for a big celebration because I thought the past 30 years was a huge one.  My experiences, lessons learned and what nots are just enough to make me realize that I’m very lucky to have these wonderful people around me (there may be the not so wonderful ones but I admit that I did learn from them).  Therefore, I’m so grateful and thankful for everything.  It’s just simply finding joy in the ordinary. 🙂

photo credit: http://www.republicofyou.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Finding-Joy….png

IMovie..We Meet Again

It’s this season where I reunite with one of my favorite Apps in Mac, the iMovie.  I’ve been exploring on this App since 2009 and I’ve been combining it with other Apps like Keynote and Pulp Motion.  I am actually not up to date, I just use what I know and try to be as creative as possible.  I just need TIME and PATIENCE.

Now I’m making three AVP’s for the Moving Up Ceremonies and Commencement Exercises.  One for the Toddlers and 2 for the Kindergarteners.  I chose to combine Keynote and iMovie for more options.

So here I am again.  The last time I worked with this App was last August and September in preparation of the Grandparents’ Day.  We “cooled off” for about 7 months and now we’re reunited. 🙂

My Hatha Experience

I try my best to practice yoga at least once a week. Usually I do it every Saturday either the 8am or 3pm FNR (Flexibility Not Required) class. However, I have work on some Saturdays so my choice is to attend a 630am Athletics FNR class (which I haven’t tried as well) on a Monday (wherein I won’t have work in lieu of the Saturday work) or not to practice at all because I sort of have hesitations in joining other classes (I just got too comfortable with the basic FNR class). Well it all changed today. I was browsing through the website of Urban Ashram Manila and read the different classes. The Hatha class called my attention then asked my yogini friend about it. She guaranteed that if I’m surviving the regular FNR I’ll surely survive Hatha. So I checked the class schedule at Brixton branch (where I go to practice), and gladly there’s a 2pm class. Again I was hesitant because it’s a really hot afternoon. But then again, I went.

When I got there, I spoke with Bianca as I give her my pass and get my locker key and told her that it’ll be my first time with Hatha. She said that for her it’s a lot better than FNR because it is slower and she gave me an encouraging smile that I can do it (one of the reasons why I love the ashram, the people are just so friendly and motivating 😊).

After I placed my bag in the locker, I settled in my favorite spot on the room. I was feeling uncomfortable because of the intense heat. I was worried that I might pass out in the middle of the practice. Janaka, the teacher, came in. He also felt that it’s too hot that he brought in a stand fan to at least aid in circulating the air around the room. When the class started, I can’t believe that I’m surviving it. And I like what I’m feeling despite the heat and the non-stop sweat.

After the class, I felt really good. Detoxified and relaxed. ☺ After changing, I told Bianca in the reception that she was right. I also thanked Janaka for the great experience and I’m hoping to do it again. That will be for sure during my summer break 😉.

Oh yeah. There’s a bonus! Celebrity DJ Tony Toni joined the practice. Of course I took the chance to have a picture with him. Haha! 😉

Eat Fresh Hong Kong Street Food

Last night Brio and I were craving for something to eat that we don’t exactly know what. When Lucas asked his Wowa to bring him upstairs, we thought it’s the best opportunity for us to sneak out and grab something to eat. So we did.

I told my hubby that I think I just want a dose of milk tea so we decided to go around the Wilson area. Then I realized we haven’t tried the Hong Kong street food along Abad Santos. When we passed by the establishment, the parking space was just impossible. There were many people coming in and out. We turned around and checked again and luckily we got a spot.

The place was crowded with people ordering left and right. Good thing there’s still an available space for two. I kinda got overwhelmed when I saw the menu because they got lots of choices. I just focused my eyes on the street food list because that’s what we came for.

Brio ordered for pork siomai (P65 for 4 pcs.), taosi spareribs (P48) and Coke in can (P30). I ordered squid fingers (P35 for 4 pcs.), takoyaki balls (P60 for 4 pcs.) and Pearl nai cha (P60).

I’d rate the taste of what I ate pretty good. The white sauce (not sure if it’s a mayo) for the takoyaki was just a little bit overpowering. Maybe It could be requested to put just a little of it. The squid fingers are good. I used sweet chilli sauce for it. The nai cha was also good for milk tea fans like me (I like it with less or zero sweetness at all). As for Brio’s pork siomai and taosi spareribs, he said they’re good. Would be better if he was given chilli sauce.

We also scanned the rest of the menu and I would say their price is reasonable and pocket friendly. It’s also obvious as we’ve seen the quick turnover of customers. In terms of service, well you wouldn’t expect a first class kind. In a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest) I’ll give a 2. Because when we asked for condiments, they didn’t give us what we asked for and orders were given one at a time and drinks were served last.

They don’t have a delivery service but you may call them for order pick up.

Eat Fresh Hong Kong Famous Street Food
691 J. Abad Santos St. Near cor. V. Ibanez St., Little Baguio, San Juan
2966573; 2349059

Walking and Bonding

Before I got pregnant, me and my husband used to take a walk around the village after dinner. Until it became a routine for us. When we felt that are bodies were conditioned enough, we started to jog then run. When I got pregnant with Lucas this routine just stopped since I didn’t have an easy pregnancy the first time, I needed to take a lot of precautions.

The time I gave birth, it took me a while to adjust and forgot all about walking at least. I’ve always wanted to come back but the circumstances won’t allow me. Now Lucas is in his 2nd year, I decided to bring him along with me. We went to Marikina Sports Park and he really enjoyed. He copied the people walking and jogging around then eventually decided to ride his trike. I told myself that maybe we should do this once in a while. Going to the sports park is a bit taxing for me because I still need to drive to get there. So one afternoon, I decided to just walk around our village. I know it won’t be easy for Lucas so I just let him ride his stroller. It was a double work out! Pushing a stroller with a 12-kg child on board on an uphill-downhill kind of terrain. We just stroll on 2 parallel streets, about 4 to 5 rounds. Lucas enjoys the scenery, the trees and the birds plus the people we meet along the way. Luckily, our village is somehow rich in vegetation, so it is also a good way for us to breathe in fresh air. Just for this week we strolled for four consecutive afternoons already. I think I’m going to stick with this new routine and soon enough I’ll let Lucas to really walk with me. We do it every afternoon at around 5:00pm when the sun is about to set and as the breeze gets cooler.

What’s My Excuse

I haven’t been updating my blog and I just said I was busy.  I thought I’d come up with a list of the things I accomplished within the months that kept my blog quiet but deserve to be shared otherwise.  I’ll list them down in random:

1. My son’s first ever hair cut last August. First snips was done by my best friend’s dad.  The professional cut was done by Cuts 4 Tots last August 25, 2012.

 2. Pulled off a Beatles inspired Grandparents’ Day presentation with my co-event coordinator and ever supporting co-teachers in ISYC. 🙂  It was held at Miriam College’s Marian Auditorium.

 

3. Started a small arts and crafts and party giveaway business (Creative Hands) with my teaching partner Teacher Inna last August 1, 2012. This really made us very busy. 

 

4.  Went back practicing yoga.  This happened last December 2012. I realized that this is something I shouldn’t stop doing.

5. Hubby got into a motorcycle accident that resulted to multiple bone fractures on his right shoulders and 3 ribs (2 fractures in one rib). Ouch!

 

6. My best friend from New Zealand came home after 5 years together with her beautiful daughter and husband.

 

7. A new nephew (my closest 1st cousin’s second baby) — Noah.

 

8. I learned how to bake a giant choco chip oatmeal cookie. I gave it away as a gift to my co-teachers :).

 

9. Last November, I started not to eat any pork and beef meat. So far I’m successful and haven’t been tempted until now.

 

10. Lucas’ second Halloween as Bruce Lee.

 

11. ISYC’s Toon Town (sem-ender activity) my costume was Capt. Hook.

 

12. Family photo shoot with one of the most renowned photographers in the Philippines. (I’ll write a blog on this wonderful experience soon).

 13. Learned that my 2 high school barkadas living abroad (one in the US and one in Canada) will get married this year.

 14. Two close friends and co-teachers got engaged as well, and will be married this year.

 15. A close friend from high school who’s been living and working in London came home to prepare for her wedding next year.

 16. A high school barkada had a challenging pregnancy and gave birth to a handsome baby boy (Grant) last February.

17.  Donated blood for a Ninong who had a multiple heart bypass surgery. 

18.  Lucas’ first time to go to Tagaytay City.  We were with Wowo and Wowa.

19.  Just dialed 89.9 Magic’s hotline to answer a topic during the morning show with mo twister and suzy…and yeah! My call got in!  First time to experience to be on air. Haha! 🙂

20.  Last August of 2012, we experienced the week-long suspension of classes due to continuous Habagat rains that resulted to flood around the Metro.

21. ISYC had this year’s Musical Play “In the Beginning” at the AFP theater last February.   I was assigned to edit some music, add sound effects and operate the playlist. Tech booth life again 🙂

 

For now, that’s my list. I’m sure I missed some more. I think my reasons were valid..you think? But I know these were great events or happenings that I should’ve shared.